Disappointment and frustration, but long-term satisfaction: patient experiences undergoing treatment for a chronic Achilles tendon rupture-a qualitative study.

• Delayed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures is generally due to either misdiagnosis or patient delay. When the treatment is delayed more than 4weeks, the rupture is defined as "chronic", and almost always requires more invasive surgery and longer rehabilitation time compared with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. There is insufficient knowledge of patient experiences of sustaining and recovering from a chronic Achilles tendon rupture.To evaluate patients' experiences of suffering a chronic Achilles tendon rupture, semi-structured group interviews were conducted 4-6years after surgical treatment using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis described by Graneheim and Lundman.The experiences of ten patients (65±14years, 7 males and 3 females) were summarized into four main categories: (1) "The injury", where the patients described immediate functional impairments, following either traumatic or non-traumatic injury mechanisms that were misinterpreted by themselves or the health-care system; (2) "The diagnosis", where the patients expressed relief in receiving the diagnosis, but also disappointment and/or frustration related to the prior misdiagnosis and delay; (3) "The treatment", where the patients expressed high expectations, consistent satisfaction with the surgical treatment, and addressed the importance of the physical therapist having the right expertise; and (4) "The outcomes", where the patients expressed an overall satisfaction with the long-term outcome and no obvious limitations in physical activity, although some fear of re-injury emerged.An Achilles tendon rupture can occur during both major and minor trauma and be misinterpreted by both the assessing health-care professional as well as the patient themselves. Surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation for chronic Achilles tendon rupture results in overall patient satisfaction in terms of the long-term outcomes. We emphasize the need for increased awareness of the occurrence of Achilles tendon rupture in patients with an atypical patient history.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Ortopedi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Orthopaedics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Achilles Tendon

injuries

surgery

Ankle Injuries

Female

Frustration

Humans

Male

Patient Outcome Assessment

Patient Satisfaction

Rupture

rehabilitation

surgery

Tendon Injuries

diagnosis

rehabilitation

surgery

Treatment Outcome

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)